Statement on the Wet’suwet’en Blockades

March 3, 2020

Ottawa, ON – “Every single person in this country has the right to freedom of speech and the freedom to protest. However, they don’t have the right to disrupt the livelihoods of others, shut down our railways or put the safety of Canadians at risk.

“I’ve been in contact with the Halidmand OPP on the recent blockades set up on Highway 6. I offer them my full support as they address the protests.

“The reality is that these blockades go against what the vast majority of Wet’suwet’en people want – to support the Coastal GasLink project.

“While the provincial government has jurisdiction over police action in Ontario, one thing is certain – these blockades wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Justin Trudeau’s bad policies. These protests are the direct result of the divisions that he’s created in Canada.

“I will continue to stand with every elected band council on the Coastal GasLink route that supported this project and with the Wet’suwet’en people. Most importantly, I stand in support of the families and small businesses in Haldimand-Norfolk who have been affected by these blockades. It’s essential that we preserve the peace and maintain a safe and free community for all people.”